Smurfit Kappa, Ireland, this week announced an agreement to purchase the company Litbag, Portugal, to reinforce its position in Southern Europe. Litbag has specific expertise in multi-layer EVOH barrier films, which offer the advantage of extended product shelf life. Today it is one of the leaders in the Portuguese wine market, exporting to several countries including Spain and France.

The acquisition of Litbag will enable Smurfit Kappa Bag-in-Box® to reinforce its position in Southern Europe and confirm its leadership in the wine sector. 

"The Bag-in-Box business continues to show significant potential for our group. We are excited to develop our global footprint further and we see great opportunities for our Bag-in-Box business on a world-wide scale in the years ahead," said Roberto Villaquiran, CEO of  Smurfit Kappa Europe. 

"Litbag is a dynamic company with a strong track record in innovation and market development. Product differentiators like their film performance and our VITOP tap technology will significantly strengthen our capabilities when they come together," said Thierry Minaud, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Bag-in-Box. "We are excited to join forces with Litbag and strengthen our Iberian presence under the leadership of Pascual Martinez, GM or this region."